Kentucky Motorists Drive into 2018 Paying More at the Pump

West Central Kentucky gas prices increased by four cents over the week, averaging at $2.374 per gallon according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Across the Great Lakes and Central region, gas prices have increased as much as 10 cents on the week with four states landing on this week’s top 10 states with the largest increases, including Kentucky (+8 cents).

With a 259,000 barrel build, gasoline inventory sits at 48.1 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) (week ending Dec. 22). The last time the region had inventory under 50 million barrels was at the end of the year was in 2010.

This week’s average prices: Western Central KY Average: $2.374Average price during the week of December 26, 2017: $2.330Average price during the week of January 3, 2017: $2.285

On the National FrontAt $2.49, the national gas price average is the most expensive seen at the start of a new year since 2014, when gas prices were more than $3/gallon. High travel volumes over the holidays drove gas prices up five cents on the week. At the start of 2018, motorists in the Northeast, South and the upper Midwest are seeing pump prices as much as 13 cents more expensive than one week ago.

The latest EIA report measures gasoline demand at a strong 9.5 million b/d, which is typical of the holiday season. However, historical data shows that in early January demand typical drops and stays below the 9 million mark for the first few months of the year.

On Friday, the final day of trading for 2017, West Texas Intermediate closed 58 cents up, reaching its highest price of the year: $60.42 per barrel. Moving into 2018, prices are expected to continue rising as OPEC’s production reduction agreement will remain in place for the entirety of the year.

In 2018, U.S. crude production is expected to hit 10 million b/d for the first time ever, helping the country to meet domestic demand and expand its export prowess to countries that have growing energy demands around the globe. The total number of active rigs, 747, is 222 more than the total active number of rigs at the beginning of 2017.

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 81 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.